Arch fitness device

ABSTRACT

A frame includes first adjacent sides and second adjacent sides. The length and width of the frame are adapted to support the human body lying on ones back with feet planted within the frame. An arch of the second adjacent sides extends a predetermined distance from the first adjacent sides to a middle portion of the arch. Within the frame, a substantially rigid trampoline formed of a high strength material is disposed under tension between the adjacent sides of the frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/737,241, filed on Nov. 15, 2005, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to fitness equipment, and more particularly to an arch device.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Various pieces of fitness equipment have been designed for the purpose of isolating and exercising the abdominal muscles of the human body. These devices tend to work the abdominal muscles well, but are not able to train other areas of the body.

Therefore, a need exists for a device that isolates and exercises the abdominal muscles while being adaptable to other muscle groups.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A frame includes first adjacent sides and second adjacent sides. The length and width of the frame are adapted to support the human body lying on ones back with feet planted within the frame. An arch of the second adjacent sides extends a predetermined distance from the first adjacent sides to a middle portion of the arch. Within the frame, a substantially rigid trampoline formed of a high strength material is disposed under tension between the adjacent sides of the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1A is a top view of an arch device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a side view of an arch device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a rigid trampoline according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a trampoline according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a planar view of an arch device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3B is a side view of a hinge and pin mechanism of the arch device of FIG. 3A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The abdominal muscles include the Rectus Abdominus, Obliques (external and internal) and Transverse Abdominus. The Rectus Abdominus flex the spine, bringing the rib cage towards the pelvis. The Transverse Abdominus is used for trunk stability. Obliques rotate the torso and stabilize the abdomen. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an arch device for exercising the abdominal muscles includes a frame having four sides, wherein adjacent sides have unequal lengths. Longer adjacent sides are curved outward, perpendicular to a plane of the four sides.

Referring to FIG. 1, a frame 100 includes first adjacent sides 101 and 102 have a width of about two to three feet. The second adjacent sides 103 and 104 have a length of about four and one half to five feet. The length and width of the frame are adapted to support the human body lying on ones back with feet planted within the frame. The curve of the second adjacent sides extends a distance D1 of approximately two feet from the first adjacent sides 101-102 to a middle portion of the arch 105.

Within the frame, a substantially rigid trampoline 106 formed of a high strength material is disposed under tension between the adjacent sides 101-104 of the frame 100. The rigid trampoline 106 may be formed of a plastic thermoform shell, for example, by vacuum, pressure, or direct mechanical force. The rigid trampoline 106 may be formed of other materials, including nylon fiber, etc. The rigid trampoline 106 is connected to the frame 100. The frame 100 may be formed of, for example, steel (e.g., powder coated steel tube), carbon-fiber composite material, etc.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a length of the frame is 52 and ¾″, a height (D1 in FIG. 1B) is 11 and ¾″, a width of the second adjacent sides 101 and 102 is 17 and ½″, and an outer width at a middle portion (D2 in FIG. 1A) is 13″. One skilled in the art will understand that other dimensions may be used, for example, the middle width may be the same or greater than the outer width. For example, the substantially rectangular shape may be formed such that two or more of the sides are concave to achieve an hourglass shape or a dog-bone shape. Similarly, the sides may be formed having a convex shape in a horizontal plane of the frame, e.g., a view substantially perpendicular to the arch illustrated in FIG. 1B, the horizontal plane being shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame may be formed of outer 1″ tubes, e.g., national standard black pipe schedule 40, having an outside diameter of 1.050″, an inside diameter of 0.824″, and a 0.113″ wall thickness. Cross bars may be ¾″ seamless cold rolled tubing having a 0.750″ outside diameter, a 0.500″ inside diameter, and a 0.125″ wall thickness.

It should be understood that the dimensions given for the arch device/frame are exemplary, and that other dimensions may be used according to application, e.g., petite users verses large users.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the rigid trampoline 106 may include an optional molded detent 200 for receiving a removable pad 201, e.g., a polyurethane or neoprene cushion. The removable pad 201 may be secured in place by, for example, friction, Velcro®, snaps, etc.

The rigid trampoline 106 is formed such that certain portions, e.g., 107 of the frame 100 are exposed, for example, corner areas and a middle of the first adjacent sides 101-102. Thus, the exposed sites of the steel frame may number eight (8)—a different number of exposed sites may be provided. The exposed frame may be grasped for leverage, additional exercise, tubing (108) placement, etc.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the substantially rigid trampoline 106 may be divided into different portions, e.g., 106A-C, formed of a material disposed under tension between the adjacent sides 101-104 of the frame 100. The portions 106A-C may be formed of a plastic thermoform shell, for example, by vacuum, pressure, or direct mechanical force. The portions 106A-C may be formed of other materials, including nylon fiber, etc. The portions 106A-C are connected to the frame 100 and one another by a connecting material 202, such as elastic. Each portion 106A-C may include a pad disposed on a surface, such as a closed-cell foam, providing a comfortable workout surface for a user. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that different configurations of the trampoline may be implemented in view of the disclosure, for example, each of the portions 106A-C may be rigidly connected directly to the frame, without the aid of the connecting material 202.

An elastic strap 108 may be connected to the frame for providing resistance in resistance-based exercises. The elastic strap 108 includes a handle/ankle cuff 109 and a means 110 for connecting to the frame 100. The elastic strap 108 may be of various lengths. The means 110 for connecting to the frame 100 may include a clip, a loop in the elastic strap, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the frame may include a mechanism for folding. For example, hinges allow two outer portions 301 and 302 to fold towards and away from a middle portion 303 of the frame. The two outer portions 301 and 302 may rotate on a pivot 304 and may be secured in place by a securing mechanism such as a pin 305. The pin 305 may be disengaged from the middle portion 303 using a handle 306 secured for example by a spring mechanism. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that different pivots/hinges and securing mechanisms may be implemented, for example, a clevis pin and cotter pin mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the cross bars 307-310 are disposed for stiffening the frame.

The curve allows for a rocking motion, useful in certain exercises. The rocking motion is controlled by a user using secondary muscle groups.

Rectus Abdominis are used in the abdominal crunching movement.

The following exemplary exercises may be performed using the arch device.

Standard Crunch: Lie on back with knees bent. Lift shoulders off the floor, concentrating on moving ribs towards hips. The arch will rock slightly forwards adding in isolating the Rectus Abdominis. Variations on this exercise are contemplated.

Reverse Curl: Targets the lower portions of the Rectus Abdominis and also the Oblique abdominals. Lie on back and bend knees toward chest, keeping hips on the trampoline. Contract abdominal muscles to lift hips off the trampoline and bring knees toward chest. The elastic straps may be attached to the ankles to increase resistance.

Combination Crunch: Do the standard crunch and the reverse curl at the same time.

Standing Curl: Standing with feet apart on the arch, arm curls using two elastic straps, one connected to each of the first adjacent sides 101-102. Balance is used to limit the rocking motion of the arch.

Bridge Pose: With first adjacent sides on the floor such that the middle of the arch extends away from the floor, lay on the arch and assume the bridge pose. The arch provides support and safety from falls.

These and other exercises are possible.

Having described embodiments for body arch device, it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims. 

1. An exercise frame comprising: first adjacent sides; second adjacent sides disposed perpendicular to the first adjacent sides forming the frame having a substantially rectangular shape, wherein an arch of the second adjacent sides extends a predetermined distance from the first adjacent sides to a middle portion of the arch; and a trampoline formed within the frame, wherein a length and width of the frame are adapted to support a human body on the trampoline.
 2. The exercise frame of claim 1, wherein the trampoline is disposed under tension between the first and second adjacent sides of the frame.
 3. The exercise frame of claim 1, wherein the trampoline is substantially rigid.
 4. The exercise frame of claim 1 wherein the trampoline comprises: a connecting material; and at least one trampoline portion connected to the frame by the connecting material.
 5. The exercise frame of claim 1, further comprising: two outer frame portions; and a middle frame portion connected to the two outer frame portions, wherein the two outer frame portions are connected to the middle frame portion via a pivot.
 6. The exercise frame of claim 5, wherein the two outer frame portions are securable in an extended position via a plurality of pins extending from the two outer frame portions and into the middle frame portion.
 7. The exercise frame of claim 5, wherein the two outer frame portions have a maximum width wider than a maximum width of the middle frame.
 8. The exercise frame of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of cross bars connected to the second adjacent sides and disposed substantially parallel to the first adjacent sides.
 9. The exercise frame of claim 1, wherein the trampoline formed within the frame exposes portions of the frame.
 10. The exercise frame of claim 9, wherein the portions are disposed at corners of the frame.
 11. The exercise frame of claim 9, wherein the portions are disposed on the first and second adjacent sides of the frame.
 12. The exercise frame of claim 9, further comprising a strap attached to an exposed portion of the frame.
 13. The exercise frame of claim 1, wherein the substantially rectangular shape is an hourglass shape with respect to a horizontal plane of the frame.
 14. The exercise frame of claim 1, wherein the substantially rectangular shape is a dog-bone shape with respect to a horizontal plane of the frame.
 15. The exercise frame of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first adjacent sides and the second adjacent sides have one of a convex and a concave shape with respect to a horizontal plane of the frame.
 16. The exercise frame of claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance is about two feet. 